Kawatoyo Honten: Eels for the Chills

Unajyu. 2500 Yen

Narita is highly famous for the Narita-San Temple which is just an approximate 15 minutes stroll from the station with the road flanked by cosy and family-owned shops that sell anything from food to souvenirs.

One item which cannot be missed when taking a trip down to this quaint little town, is the Grilled Eel over rice, or Unajyu. Take a walk down the shopping arcade and the seductive aromas emitting from the restaurant will force you to stop and take a second look.

Kawatoyo Honten has been around for generations, dishing up piping hot lacquer boxes of smoky, meltingly tender sea eels blanketed over pearly rice. Locals, transiting air crew and tourists form the main demographic of its target market.

Jo Unajyu 3100 yen

Having gained worldwide popularity in the past decade or so, queues usually an average of 30 minutes at least (over an hour during the peak seasons) depending on the party size. But thankfully they have a 2 level seating space which can accommodate large parties. Tatami mats and cushions are their choice of furniture here, lending an oriental touch to the convivial dining atmosphere, so please kindly remove your shoes and help yourself to a plastic bag to put your shoes in when entering the seating premises.

The chopsticks cut through the eels with utmost ease and each bite releases a smoky-rich flavour with a slight sweetness, courtesy of the homemade sauce that the chef uses prior to finishing the eels off in the grill. Paired with the short-grain rice hidden snugly beneath the eels and a cup of ocha, this makes for a comforting meal best enjoyed in the company of loved ones while soaking in the serenity of the town.


Kawatoyo Honten Narita
386 Nakamachi, Narita City, Chiba Prefecture

Nearest Station:
JR Narita Station or Narita Station on Keisei Main Line

Operating Hours
1000-1700 Daily unless otherwise specified.